Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is also known as inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO). It is also called paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM).

If VCD symptoms happen only during exercise, then it is called exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO). This problem causes shortness of breath which can be very severe.

VCD/ILO is a serious condition. It can cause extreme changes in quality of life. VCD/ILO is frequently misdiagnosed as asthma.

Normal and Abnormal Vocal Cord Function

To understand VCD/ILO, it is helpful to understand how the vocal cords function. The vocal cords are located at the top of the windpipe (trachea). They vibrate to produce noise and voice. Breathing causes the vocal cords to open. This allows air to flow through the windpipe (trachea) and into the lungs. During episodes of VCD/ILO, the vocal cords partly or completely tighten. This causes shortness of breath.

Vocal cord dysfunction is different from vocal cord paralysis.

History of VCD & EILO

VCD/ILO was discovered relatively recently. Some descriptions of possible cases first appeared in medical literature in 1842 and then again in 1951. Both times it was inaccurately characterized as having self-created symptoms.

In 1983, a group of people who were said to have "uncontrolled asthma" were evaluated at National Jewish Health. A team of medical professionals, including pulmonologists, otolaryngologists, psychiatrists and speech-language pathologists provided the evaluation. They accurately identified the condition and provided treatment for what we now know as VCD. Their findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1983.

People with symptoms limited to exercise were described in the years that followed. Since the 1980s, we have come to realize that they do not share all of the features seen in the first group described in 1983.

We Are Open and Here for You

Our specialty care clinics for adults and children are open and ready to serve you. Your health is important, and that means taking care of your existing health care issues.

Please note that as we schedule appointments, including necessary procedures, we’re taking every precaution possible to ensure it’s safe to see your doctor. Call 303.398.1355 or make an appointment online.

Expanded COVID-19 Testing and Care Available

Acute Respiratory Clinics for adults and children, and a Respiratory Recovery Clinic for those recovering from COVID-19 are available.

Online Telehealth appointments and in office appointments are always available for our patients in need of care.

Drive through appointments for COVID-19 testing – antibody (serology) testing and molecular (swab) testing are available. Antibody testing can be self-scheduled, while molecular and other tests require a doctor’s order.

Patient Safety

As best practice for all patients, COVID-19 patients are cared for in separate, dedicated units. All staff and providers are required to wear masks and other personal protective equipment, and our facilities are continually cleaned using enhanced sterilization procedures.

Patients and visitors are screened upon arrival and are required to wear masks. Patients may have only one visitor accompany them to appointments. Please bring your own face mask to wear (cannot be a bandana or scarf, but can be a cloth mask).